Name: Tender Beef Bao Buns Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 12 ounces cooked beef pot roast, chopped or shredded; 1 cup chopped spinach, green onions, or Swiss chard; 1/2 cup hoisin sauce; 3 cans (10 biscuits each) refrigerated buttermilk biscuits; Parchment paper or lettuce leaves for lining steamer

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Introduction

These tender beef bao buns are a delicious way to enjoy flavorful pot roast wrapped in soft, steamed biscuit dough. With a savory hoisin sauce and fresh greens, they make a perfect appetizer or snack that’s fun to prepare and eat.

The image shows a white pot filled with dark, shredded braised meat in a rich brown sauce with a few slices of red chili on top, and a gold spoon resting inside. To the right is a clear glass bowl containing colorful slaw made of shredded white cabbage, purple cabbage, and thin carrot strips. Below that, on a white plate with blue floral patterns, six smooth, white steamed buns are arranged, some cut in half to show their soft texture. A small brown bowl with light brown sesame seeds sits near the pot on a white marbled surface scattered with a few red chili slices. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 ounces cooked beef pot roast
1 cup chopped spinach, green onions, or Swiss chard
1/2 cup hoisin sauce
3 cans (10 biscuits each) refrigerated buttermilk biscuits

Instructions

Step 1: Chop or shred the cooked beef pot roast and place it in a large microwave-safe dish. Cover, vent, and microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Stir in the chopped greens and hoisin sauce. Microwave again until the sauce thickens and the beef is well coated. Set the mixture aside.
Step 3: Prepare your stovetop steamer by lining the basket with parchment paper cut to fit, creating a hole in the center if needed. Add water below the basket level and bring to a boil.
Step 4: Flatten each biscuit dough piece into a 3-inch square, pressing corners with your thumbs to extend them. Place about 1 tablespoon of the beef mixture in the center of each square.
Step 5: Bring two opposite corners of the dough up over the filling and pinch them together. Then bring the other two corners up and pinch all seams to form a sealed square bun. Keep the edges clear of sauce for best sealing.
Step 6: Turn each bun over and place them in the steamer basket, leaving at least 2 inches between each. Cover and steam for 7 minutes or until the dough reaches 190°F and the filling is 165°F.
Step 7: Carefully remove the buns with tongs and let them cool slightly before serving. Repeat steaming with remaining buns until all are cooked. Serve with extra sauce if desired.

Tips & Variations

If you don’t have a stovetop steamer, use a folding steamer basket inside a large saucepan instead.
In place of parchment paper, lettuce leaves can be used to line the steamer basket.
Keep the dough edges free of sauce to ensure the buns seal properly during steaming.

Storage

Store any leftover bao buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat by steaming for a few minutes until warmed through, to keep the buns tender and avoid drying out.

How to Serve

The image shows five round steamed buns inside a light wooden steamer lined with parchment paper, placed on a white marbled texture. Three whole buns have a smooth, soft, pale cream-colored surface, while two are cut in half to reveal their filling. The filling consists of dark brown, tender-looking meat with moist texture, mixed with green herbs. The buns have a thick, fluffy white dough surrounding the filling. A shiny metal spoon with water droplets rests on the edge of the steamer. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cooked meat instead of pot roast?

Yes, shredded cooked chicken, pork, or even beef brisket can be used as a tasty alternative. Adjust the cooking time if needed to ensure the filling is heated properly.

What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?

You can substitute with a combination of soy sauce, honey, and a little garlic or five-spice powder for a similar flavor profile. Adjust quantities to taste.